EICMA 2012: Introducing the MV Agusta Rivale 800, the New Three-Cylinder Motard

MV Agusta has a new entry in the motard segment, unveiling the new Rivale 800 at the 2012 EICMA Show in Milan, Italy.

The 2013 MV Agusta Rivale 800 is powered by a 798cc engine based on the three-cylinder 675cc engine with a counter-rotating crankshaft used in the F3 and Brutale 675. The same 798cc version of the engine is mounted on the new Brutale 800 and both models claim a peak output of 123.3 hp. The Rivale is a bit heavier however, with MV Agusta claiming a dry weight of 375 pounds, compared to the Brutale 800′s claimed weight of 368 pounds.

Like the Brutale 800, the Rivale is loaded with MV Agusta’s Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System electronics package which includes ride-by-wire throttle and selectable engine maps, though MV Agusta does not mention whether the Rivale will also have traction control.

Also like the Brutale models, the Rivale 800 uses a steel trellis frame with aluminum alloy side plates. The suspension system includes a Sachs rear shock and Marzocchi fork, both with adjustable compression and rebound damping. Brembo supplies the radial-mount four-piston brake calipers.

Other features include a digital multi-function display, LED lighting and turn-signals integrated into the retractable mirrors.

U.S. availability is yet to be determined but in Europe, the MV Agusta Rivale 800 is expected to arrive in showrooms in the second half of 2013 with a price of 10,990 euros (US$13,969).

Follow Motorcycle.com for more coverage of the 2012 EICMA Show.

[Source: MV Agusta]

By Dennis Chung